Since 2018, the BlechWech Foundation in Cologne has been collecting bottle caps from individuals, restaurants, and other sources to reduce waste in our environment while doing good. To this end, collection bins have been set up in Cologne and, more recently, throughout Germany; once they are full, they are transported to various recycling facilities and recycled. The proceeds from the material are donated directly to SOS Children’s Villages worldwide and used to fund vaccines at the Mother-Child Clinic. This helps protect the environment while supporting a great social project. 

Central collection points include all recycling centers in the city and the Mainz-Bingen district, as well as the environmental store on Steingasse. Designated waste bins are available at all locations.

The containers from the 22 recycling centers are transported along with the regular shipments to Weisenau, where a large collection bin for bottle caps has been set up. Once a year, this bottle cap collection bin is transported to the recycler, TSR Deutschland GmbH & Co. KG, Ginsheim-Gustavsburg facility, Gustavsburg branch. There, a weighing receipt can be obtained (to determine the quantity). The transport is financed by KAW. TSR is enthusiastic about the initiative and is generally eager to support it. They have expressed their willingness to donate the funds generated.

The Fair Trade Team is calling on all citizens, clubs, institutions, event organizers, bars, wine bars, and cafés, as well as organizations and schools, to join in and collect bottle caps. Whether it’s a thousand or just a few—every cap helps! 

Act locally – make a global impact!